Why is cybersecurity awareness important?

There are many ways to become more aware of how your data is treated and how your information may be used in a potential breach. Read on for a few tips on how to protect yourself and your family.

If you’re worried about cybersecurity, a password manager can help. Managing and rotating strong, unique passwords for your online accounts can be overwhelming. This often leads to reusing or simplifying passwords, which can make you more vulnerable. In fact, 85% of people worldwide reuse passwords across multiple sites.

1Password, a password manager which is included in a subscription to eero Plus, offers better security. Your login credentials are stored in an encrypted vault and you only need to remember your master password.

Though convenient, text-based and voice-based authentication are susceptible to SIM swapping or other attacks. Application-based authenticators offer a more secure verification method. In fact, 99% of attacks can be blocked by multi-factor authentication (MFA).

MFA apps generate time-sensitive codes, ensuring that even if your primary credentials are compromised, access to your accounts remains secure through an added layer of authentication.

If you have to use public WiFi, make sure to protect your data with a Virtual Private Network (VPN). On an unsecured public WiFi network, your personal information is exposed to hackers. No matter if it’s a restaurant, hotel or cafe, if the network is unsecured you are at risk.

When using a VPN on public WiFi, you’ll be encrypting your internet connection and preventing anyone on the same network from viewing your browsing activity, passwords or any sensitive information. All data you transmit and receive is anonymous and secure.

Here’s a list of helpful cybersecurity awareness resources to ensure you and your household stay secure when accessing the internet from home or on-the-go.

• Cybersecurity resources for kids
• Parental controls
• How to monitor your children’s online activity
• Home network security checklist

Cybersecurity awareness training educates participants on the importance of security awareness and how to recognize and avoid common cyber threats like phishing, malware and ransomware.

In most settings, cybersecurity awareness training may include phishing simulations, best practices for creating strong passwords and guidance on using multi-factor authentication (MFA) for extra security.

Trainees are also taught safe browsing habits, how to handle sensitive data and the importance of using tools like VPNs. The program typically ends with instruction on incident response—how to report and react to potential cyber threats to minimize damage.

For individuals and families, cybersecurity awareness training can cater to a range of ages, learning styles and interests. If you’re in search of cybersecurity awareness training, look for a mix of resources, like educational websites, interactive games and apps, online courses or even books and print materials – for all members of the household.

Cybersecurity awareness training helps individuals stay protected in a constantly evolving threat landscape. It’s important to remember that cybersecurity is not a one-time activity—cyber threats are always changing and regular updates to training are needed.

There are many benefits to cybersecurity awareness training including:

• • Understanding how to safeguard sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers and login credentials to reduce your identity theft risk
  • Learning to recognize phishing scams to prevent financial losses and avoid fraudulent transactions
  • Securing your home WiFi network with encryption, firewalls and safe device management to prevent unauthorized access​
  • Protecting your social media accounts from impersonation, phishing and privacy breaches to keep your online reputation and personal data secure​
  • Using password managers and learning how to secure multiple accounts with complex, unique passwords
  • Securing your mobile devices from theft, malware and unauthorized access

If you want to secure your home or just learn more about cyber security, find a program or resources that touch on the following key areas:

1. Email security: Spot suspicious emails and avoid clicking on unknown links or downloading attachments from untrusted sources. Look for spelling errors, unrecognized senders or unusual requests for personal information.
2. Phishing and social engineering: Learn how hackers manipulate people into revealing sensitive information through deceptive emails, messages or phone calls. You’ll be able to understand these tactics and verify legitimate communications before sharing any personal information​.
3. Ransomware and malware: Know how to protect your devices from malicious software that can lock files or steal data. Make sure the training covers how to identify risky downloads, avoid malicious websites and keep antivirus software up-to-date.
4. Password management: Use strong, unique passwords for each account and utilize password managers to securely store and manage login credentials to reduce the risk of account breaches from weak or reused passwords​.
5. Mobile devices: Smartphones hold a significant amount of personal data; you should understand how to secure your devices with strong passcodes, encryption and remote wipe capabilities in case of theft​.
6. Safe browsing practices: Recognize unsecured websites, use encrypted connections (HTTPS) and avoid downloading files or entering personal information on suspicious or untrusted websites​.

Your cybersecurity resources should equip you and your family with the knowledge to protect personal data, devices and online activities from increasing cyber threats.

By understanding the importance of cybersecurity awareness, you and your household can stay safe online. Take time to understand how attacks typically occur and which methods hackers use to access your information: phishing, malware and social engineering. Cybersecurity awareness can help you stay prepared during a security incident or significant cyber development.